Norwalk Police arrested Michael Morris, a 30-year-old employee of Nathan Hale Middle School, for allegedly pushing a student. The arrest followed an investigation by the Special Victims Unit, which included multiple interviews and video analysis.
On December 5, 2024, the Norwalk Police Department received a complaint regarding the incident. Detective Tim Marquis led the investigation, gathering evidence that provided probable cause for an arrest. Based on his findings, an arrest warrant was issued by the Stamford Superior Court.
Morris turned himself in to police on February 7, 2025. He has been charged with third-degree assault, risk of injury to a minor, and disorderly conduct. His bond was set at $750,000, and he is scheduled to appear in court on February 21, 2025.
Anyone with additional information can contact the Norwalk Police Tip Line at 203-854-3111. Anonymous tips can be submitted online at www.norwalkpd.com or via text by sending “NORWALKPD” followed by the message to TIP411 (847411).
(Hartford, CT) — Attorney General William Tong today joined a coalition of 19 attorneys general suing President Donald Trump, the U.S. Treasury and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to stop the unauthorized disclosure of Americans’ private information and sensitive data. The lawsuit asserts that the Trump administration illegally provided Elon Musk and the so-called “Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)” unauthorized access to the Treasury Department’s central payment system, and therefore to Americans’ most sensitive personal information, including bank account details and Social Security numbers. This expanded access could allow Musk and his team to block federal funds to states and programs providing health care, childcare, and other critical services. With this lawsuit, the coalition of attorneys general is seeking to stop the Trump administration’s new policy that illegally grants DOGE, Musk, and others access to Americans’ confidential information and the U.S. Treasury’s payment systems.
“This is the largest data breach in American history. DOGE is an unlawfully constituted band of renegade tech bros combing through confidential records, sensitive data and critical payment systems. What could go wrong? They have been given access to re-write code and delete files, and have vowed to use this access to dismantle the federal programs and services. We have no idea what they are doing with this information, and whether the world’s richest man is using this information to further enrich himself and his companies. We are suing to protect the functioning of our government and the security of every single American’s private data,” said Attorney General Tong. “Elon Musk calls his unlawful actions the Second American Revolution. It is more accurate to say this is a rebellion from within, and we will use every legal tool available to stop him.”
Beginning February 2, 2025, the Trump administration’s Treasury Department adopted a new policy that grants “special government employees,” including Elon Musk and members of DOGE, access to its central payment system operated by the Bureau of Fiscal Services (BFS). This central payment system controls vital funding that millions of Americans depend on, including Social Security payments, veteran’s benefits, Medicare and Medicaid payments, and more. The payment system also controls billions of dollars that states rely on to support essential services like law enforcement, public education, and infrastructure repairs.
Access to BFS is limited by federal law to a select group of career civil servants with the appropriate security clearances. Attorney General Tong and the coalition assert the Treasury Department’s new policy, which expands access to BFS’s payment system, violates the law, jeopardizes Americans’ most sensitive personal information, and would allow Elon Musk and other unauthorized political appointees to access a system that could permit them to freeze federal funds with the click of a button in violation of the Constitution.
With this lawsuit, Attorney General Tong and the coalition of attorneys general are seeking an injunction preventing the Trump administration from continuing its new policy of expanded access to BFS’s payment system, as well as a declaration that the Treasury Department’s policy change is unlawful and unconstitutional.
Joining Attorney General Tong in filing the lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
WANDERSON MARQUES – WANTED FOR THE AUGUST 2, 2009, MURDER OF HAROLD GANTT – OUTSTANDING EXTRADITABLE MURDER WARRANT OUT OF BRIDGEPORT, CONNECTICUT
On August 2, 2009, Bridgeport Police responded to reports of shots fired at an apartment complex located within the 200 block of Madison Avenue. When police arrived, they found the victim, Harold Gantt, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. Harold Gantt was 49 years old at the time of his death. The Bridgeport Police Detective Bureau responded and took charge of the investigation. The investigation suggests there was an ongoing verbal disagreement between Wanderson Marques and Harold Gantt. On the date of the incident, both parties resided in the same complex and were familiar with one another. As a result of a criminal investigation conducted by retired Bridgeport Police Captain James Viadero, an arrest warrant was obtained for Wanderson Marques on August 5, 2009. The warrant charges Marques for the shooting death of Harold Gantt. It is believed that Marques fled the United States shortly after the incident, traveling to several different countries.
Wanderson Marques was taken into custody by the Spanish National Police in August of 2024. A strong partnership between southern Europe and U.S. law enforcement is the reason this fugitive has been brought to justice.
This afternoon, members of the U.S. Marshals Violent Fugitive Task Force traveled to John F. Kennedy Airport in New York and took custody of 46-year-old Wanderson Marques. He was immediately transported back to the Bridgeport Police Department and charged with Murder. Bond is set at 5 million. Marques is scheduled to be arraigned at Bridgeport Superior Court tomorrow morning.
We would like to thank the government of Spain, the United States Embassy in Madrid, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Connecticut State’s Attorney’s Office – Judicial District of Bridgeport, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Liaison to the Overseas Fugitive Program (Interpol) for taking the suspect into custody and facilitating his extradition back to Connecticut. A special thanks goes to Chief State Inspector James Viadero who is currently serving with the CT Office of the Inspector General.
Today, Blumenthal stood with CT Council of Problem Gambling to highlight the surge in sports betting ahead of Super Bowl
[HARTFORD, CT] –Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06) introduced the Gambling addiction Recovery, Investment, and Treatment (GRIT) Act, bicameral legislation that would dedicate federal funds to studying, preventing, and treating gambling addiction in America. Blumenthal and Salinas first introduced the GRIT Act in the 118th Congress.
“The growing legalization of sports betting coupled with the ability to place bets from your phone whenever you want have created the perfect storm for gambling addiction—resulting in a severe public health crisis. The GRIT Act will allocate dedicated federal funding to tackle problem gambling head-on, allowing individuals suffering from gambling addiction to access support, resources, and treatment. With this legislation, we work to stop addiction and save lives,” said Blumenthal.
“Gambling can be a fun and harmless form of entertainment when enjoyed in moderation. Unfortunately, the rapid rise in online gambling has made it easier than ever to place bets – leading to a drastic increase in the number of Americans who are struggling with a gambling addiction,” said Salinas. “The GRIT Act would invest in new research to help prevent problem gambling and connect more people with treatment – all using existing funds so that taxpayers won’t pay a single dime more. This is a commonsense, fiscally responsible piece of legislation and I urge my colleagues in both parties to support it.”
Approximately 9 million Americans struggle with problem gambling, resulting in an annual social cost of around $14 billion. However, many state health agencies and nonprofits that study and treat gambling addiction are severely underfunded. The GRIT Act would remedy this by designating existing federal funds toward gambling research and treatment.
Specifically, the GRIT Act would:
Set aside 50% of the federal sports excise tax revenue for gambling addiction treatment and research, 75% of which will be distributed to the states for gambling addiction prevention and treatment through the existing Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant program. The remaining 25% will go to the National Institute of Drug Abuse to fund grants for research into gambling addiction.
Authorize spending for 10 years and require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to submit a report to Congress on the effectiveness of the program within three years of passage.
Provide vital support to state health agencies and nonprofits left on their own to address gambling problems.
Allow investment in best practices and comprehensive research, which is only possible at the national level.
Importantly, the GRIT Act would not raise taxes or create more bureaucracy. The legislation would draw from existing federal excise tax revenue and operate within existing HHS programs and procedures.
The GRIT Act is endorsed by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling (CCPG), and Oregon Council on Problem Gambling (OCPG).
“Federal funding for gambling addiction research, prevention, and treatment is long overdue, and the GRIT Act is a critical step in addressing this urgent need,” said Susan Sheridan Tucker, President of the Board, National Council on Problem Gambling. “This legislation provides essential support for those impacted by gambling addiction. We applaud Senator Blumenthal and Representative Salinas for their leadership on this important issue.”
“Connecticut is fortunate to have a robust problem gambling safety net with our 24/7 Helpline and access to certified clinicians for treatment for gambling related problems. We are so thankful for Senator Blumenthal’s efforts to make these resources available nationally to help millions of families,” said Diana Goode, Executive Director, Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling.
Norwalk Man Arrested for Criminal Trespass, Breach of Peace
Norwalk Police arrested 29-year-old Richard Fagan after he allegedly entered private property on Woodward Ave and approached a child, offering them candy and asking if they wanted to listen to music. When the child declined and went inside, Fagan reportedly remained on the property watching them.
Officers located Fagan nearby and took him into custody, charging him with Criminal Trespass in the 3rd Degree and Breach of Peace in the 2nd Degree. He was held on a $10,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on February 20th. Anyone with additional information can contact the Norwalk Police Tip Line at 203-854-3111.
On February 5, 2025, at 6:41 PM, Norwalk Patrol Officers arrested 20-year-old Niza Clarke on gun charges following a motor vehicle stop. The stop occurred on North Water Street after the officer observed a moving violation. During the stop, Clarke, a passenger in the vehicle, attempted to flee but was apprehended by officers. Clarke was found to be in possession of a firearm, which was seized by officers. Clarke is a supervised party on parole and is registered on the Deadly Weapon Offenders Registry.
Clarke was charged with illegal manufacture of a firearm, criminal possession of a firearm/ammunition/defense weapon, carrying a pistol without a permit, interfering with an officer, and failure to wear a seatbelt. He was held on a $250,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on February 20, 2025. Anyone with additional information can contact the Norwalk Police Tip Line at 203-854-3111.
Report of a disabled train in Southport on track 3. There are about 50 people onboard, the train has heat and lights. A rescue trains has been dispatched for a train-to-train transfer.
Bridgeport Firefighters were called to Cottage Street for an odor of gas indoors. It turned out to be someone doing snow blower repairs in the basement.
Witnesses told me that a woman was assaulted during a carjacking on Beechwood Avenue. Her father rushed to her aid but was run over by the teenage carjackers as they fled the scene. Bridgeport Police confirmed that one person was assaulted and a pedestrian was struck. Both victims were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries—one suffered a broken leg, while the other sustained facial injuries.
